The College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in association with the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) and the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Global Food Security are pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track, assistant professor appointment in imaging. The University of Saskatchewan is establishing a world-class program to develop and transfer agricultural innovations to both developing and developed areas of the world for the purpose of ensuring food security. The CERC program in Global Food Security is building a multidisciplinary research team consisting of 4-5 faculty positions and an additional 30-40 postdoctoral, graduate student, and research technician positions. The team’s research disciplines will span the biological and physical sciences, including plant molecular biology, physiology and genetics, engineering, computer science, soil science, and microbiology. While the discoveries from this multidisciplinary research are expected to benefit Canada, they also have the potential to enhance agriculture in food production frontiers such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Disruptive technologies are needed to ensure food security in view of sharply increasing human needs. A logical approach to achieving such goals will involve the channeling of groundbreaking research advances across multiple disciplines in the physical and biological sciences.

Applications from all areas of imaging are welcome. The College seeks expertise that complements its existing strengths and this appointment will be made in whichever department of the College of Engineering is most appropriate given the successful candidate’s specific research focus and background. Areas of application that are of particular interest are at the interface of engineering and plant root and rhizosphere processes. Research on high throughput digital imaging of root growth and development with an emphasis on phenotyping root system architecture and root function in plants grown in transparent media (hydroponics, gels, rhizoboxes) and in soil environments in the laboratory and the field are of special interest. The successful candidate will initiate, lead and collaborate in research activities; supervise graduate students; compete successfully for external research funding; teach undergraduate and graduate courses; and undertake relevant administrative activities. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 24,000.

Salary bands for this position are as follows: Assistant Professor: $93,293 to $112,109; Associate Professor: $112,109 to $130,925; and Professor $130,925 to $152,877.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested and qualified individuals are requested to submit a curriculum vitae, a research statement (two pages maximum), a teaching statement (two pages maximum), and the names and contact information of three references via email to:

The application materials must clearly indicate how the minimum qualifications have been met and should highlight any special experience that connects to the ideal qualifications. All application materials should be assembled into a single pdf file. Applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled.

The University of Saskatchewan is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced. The university welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for this position are a PhD degree and a bachelor’s degree in a field related to engineering. Candidates must demonstrate a willingness and background to successfully pursue professional registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. This registration status must be suitable to meet the requirements for teaching undergraduate courses in an accredited engineering program. Candidates must also have state of the art research experience in advanced image acquisition/processing/analysis methods and extensive experience with statistical methods as applied to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. Demonstrated research productivity and excellence through publications in peer-reviewed venues is a requirement as is demonstrated proficiency as an instructor in either formal or informal settings.

Ideal Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a doctoral degree in imaging and image processing. She/he will currently meet all the requirements for registration as a professional engineer. Indications of a strong research program with robust graduate student involvement and strong prospects for financial support will be advantages. A basic understanding of plant physiology, rhizosphere processes, soil chemistry and biology, and research tools for growing and phenotyping plants are desirable traits. Experience collaborating across multiple research groups and institutions will also be advantages. Successful delivery of undergraduate and/or graduate university courses and experience developing new courses will be assets.

About University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 24,000.